Princess Stella Njemanze-Neboh, Princess of the Njemanze dynasty in Owerri Municipal Council area in Imo State has urged the state government under the administration of Hope Uzodinma to obey a recent court judgement over Area K land which was won by the Njemanze family.
She made the appeal following recent forceful encroachment on the land by alleged government officials in defiance of a court judgement.
Princess Njemanze-Neboh, narrated that the said land was given to the Njemanze family through the instrumentality of a State High Court presided over by Justice K. A. Ojiako with the suit number, HOW/146/1999.
The Princess informed that she had written an article on how the Njemanze family inherited Area K. She explained that the land was acquired through a well documented process between the Njemanze dynasty and the people of
Umuguma in compensation for the death of one of her uncles.
“We challenge anyone that claims to own a piece of property at Area K to rise up and tell us how their mother or grandmother convinced Umuguma to give her their piece of land.
“The truth as narrated by my late dad is solid and from a man whose brother was killed and witnessed the pain and agony my late grandfather King Njemanze Ihenacho, Ozurigbo 1 of Owerre had to endure. For my late dad it was real and painful.
“My grandfather would never want to trade the life of his son for a piece of land in Area K. He would rather have his son than the land he was given.
“Our parents had several properties all over Owerre and beyond. They really did not need to farm on Area K. So out of the goodness of their heart they allowed several women from Amawom village whose husbands did not have farmlands to use Area K annually to grow food.” she said.
Princess Njemanze-Neboh further narrated that, over the years, the women falsely assumed ownership of the lands loaned to them as their own property and passed on the information to their children and grandchildren who now claim ownership.
She, however asserted that despite what happened, the Njemanze family is willing to share the land with the people of Amawom because of the risk taken by their Youths when the former Governor, Rochas Anayo Okorocha allegedly wanted to forcefully take over the said land.
The Princess explained that it is regrettable that after wrestling with Okorocha, the family is now wrestling with Uzodinma over the said land which it’s matter has been settled by a Court of competent jurisdiction.
She lamented that it is unfair to forcefully take over their lands without any consultation or compensation, vowing that they will resist the attempt.
“Governor Uzodinma, this is not the time to fight the Njemanzes and Owerre Nshi Ise. Your political party has elections coming up very soon. Two years ago during your Gubernatorial election for a second term, an Njemanze daughter and princess campaigned tirelessly with her own money, hanging billboards all over Owerri, running jingles on the radio and some newspapers adverts calling on Owerre Nshi Ise and surrounding cities to reelect you for a second term.
“You didn’t ask for the support but I support candidates based on their records and accomplishments. You passed my test for second term. So, I thought you would continue the good work from your first term.
“You won Owerre Nshi Ise with a landslide because my people heard my call to support you and they did. My thank you letter for that support is still slowly getting to the USA on a horse ride hoping it will be delivered to me before I exit this earth,” she added.
Princess Njemanze, wondered why every Governor that comes into power is after the said land at Area K without taking any recourse for the owners.
She pointed out that the land in question is designated for farming to help fight hunger and is the only land left for them.
“Imo State government have taken every land we have without compensation while reminding us that Owerre being the capital needed all those lands to beautify our state. I get that, but can the government not at least compensate Owerre land owners with a little financial help?
“I have seen letters written by your commissioner of land to other Communities telling them to meet with him to discuss compensation. Why not Owerre Nshi Ise.
“We as Nde Owerre might fight each other but when attacked we quickly flush our differences down the commode and fight back as a union.”
Princess Njemanze further informed that the matter lasted for ten years before judgement was given in their favour.
She said the best way to respond to the ruling would have been to appeal against the judgement, which the Government failed to do.
Princess Njemanze, asserted that it is wrong for Government to forcefully encroach on the land, an act she described as bullying on helpless and voiceless community who cannot fight back.
She maintained that the Njemanzes abroad are not scared to challenge any move to trample on their rights.
“We are all patriotically ready to fight to protect our rights and the rights of the Communities that make up Owerre Nshi Ise.”
